Discover What Are the 14 Ancient Dog Breeds in the World

Let's take a journey through time and discover the 14 ancient dog breeds that have been by our side for thousands of years. These incredible canines have been a part of human history, serving as loyal companions, hunters, and even sacred animals in some cultures.

The Saluki, one of the oldest dog breeds, is believed to have originated in the Middle East over 4,000 years ago. This sleek and agile dog was bred to hunt small game.

From ancient Egypt to the Inca Empire, dogs have been an integral part of human society. They've been revered for their intelligence, loyalty, and ability to adapt to new environments. The Pharaoh Hound, another ancient breed, is thought to have originated in Egypt around 3000 BC.

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Classifying ancient dog breeds can be a bit tricky, but it's often done by linking them back to a certain period through art depictions, DNA testing, or other historical records.

Their exact date or place of origin may be unknown, but researchers use various methods to narrow down their timeline.

Ancient art depictions can provide valuable clues about a dog breed's history, even if the exact date is unclear.

DNA testing has also helped researchers identify the origins of some ancient dog breeds, by comparing their DNA to that of modern breeds and ancient DNA samples.

By using these methods, researchers can get a good idea of when and where a dog breed originated, even if the exact details are lost to time.

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The 14 ancient dog breeds are a fascinating group, and we're excited to share them with you. Many of these breeds have been around for thousands of years, with some dating back to 8000 BC to 200 BC.

Here are the 14 ancient dog breeds, with their place of origin and approximate year of origin:

Most of these breeds were working dogs, performing tasks like guarding, hunting, and pulling sleds. They were bred for their incredible abilities and have been passed down through generations, with many still around today.

Ancient dog breeds have been around for thousands of years, with some breeds dating back to the time of the pharaohs in ancient Egypt. The Saluki, for example, is an ancient breed that originated in the Middle East over 4,000 years ago.

These breeds were often bred for specific tasks, such as hunting and guarding, and were highly valued for their skills and loyalty. The Pharaoh Hound, another ancient breed, was highly prized by the ancient Egyptians for its speed and agility.

Many ancient dog breeds have distinct physical characteristics that set them apart from modern breeds. The Basenji, for instance, has a unique yodeling howl and a short, curly tail. The Afghan Hound, with its silky, fine coat, is another breed that stands out due to its unique physical features.

These breeds have also been bred to be highly intelligent and trainable, making them well-suited for a variety of roles, from hunting and herding to companionship and therapy work. The Greyhound, for example, is known for its speed and agility, making it a popular breed for racing and other high-energy activities.

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The Xoloitzcuintli is one of the most ancient dog breeds still around today.

This Mexican breed has a rich history, with experts believing that its ancestors accompanied early migrants from Asia around 3,500 years ago. They were highly valued for their watchdog skills and were often sacrificed and buried alongside their owners to act as guides for their journey to the underworld.

Ceramic sculptures of hairless dogs have been found in 2,000-year-old tombs in Mexico, which is a testament to the breed's importance in ancient Mexican culture.

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The Akita Inu is an ancient dog breed with a rich history. It's believed to be an ancestor of Matagi-Inu, an ancient dog that lived between 8000 BC and 200 BC.

The Akita Inu likely originated in Egypt around 3000 BC. Its original purpose was hunting.

These ancient dogs were smaller than the Akita Inu we know today, but they share a common lineage.

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The Basenji is one of the oldest ancient dog breeds, with a history dating back to 6000 BC. They originated in the Congo Basin in Central Africa and were used for hunting small game and controlling rats in villages.

These dogs are famous for their barkless nature, preferring to whine, scream, and growl instead of barking. They have an average lifespan of 14 years and require a patient owner due to their highly active, curious, independent, and energetic nature.

Basenjis have been documented as long back as 4000 BCE and were bred to be hunting partners between the Congo Basin and South Sudan in Central Africa. They're excellent household pets, but they do require mental stimulation to be happy and healthy.

Here's a brief overview of the Basenji's key characteristics:

As natural hunters, Basenjis are unique and intelligent dogs that require lots of training. They're not as eager to please as some other dogs, so they'll need a patient owner who can provide them with the mental stimulation they need to thrive.

The Saluki is an ancient breed with a rich history that spans thousands of years. They originated in the Middle East, with evidence of their existence dating back at least 5,000 years.

Their origins are primarily unknown, but images of Salukis have been found on paintings and household objects at archaeological sites, suggesting they were valued companions of nobility.

The Saluki is a hound used to hunt gazelles, known for its grace and slender physique, similar to the modern-day Greyhound. You can recognize a Saluki by its long ears, silky short coat, and long legs.

Salukis typically have high exercise requirements, so they need a fenced yard or access to a play area where they can run off-leash. They're excellent jumpers who can easily escape yards with low fences.

Here are some key facts about the Saluki breed:

The Saluki has a life expectancy of 10-17 years and can weigh up to 65 pounds. They're gentle and loyal pets that are affectionate with their families, but can be wary of being cuddled or hugged.

Their history is well-documented, with remains found in ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Sumerians, and Persians. They're a favorite among royals due to their great hunting abilities alongside their graceful disposition.

The Chow Chow is a breed that originated in China and dates back to the Han era, around 206 bc-ad 220. They have had many roles over the years, including acting as hunters, guardians, haulers, and companions for Chinese nobles.

The breed has quite a lot of genetic similarities to the wolf, which would put them nearer to the ancient doggy ancestors. They were even depicted in artifacts from the Han Dynasty.

The Chow Chow's history is fascinating, and it's no wonder they've been able to adapt to so many different roles.

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The Greenland Sled Dog is a breed that's often mistaken for a Husky or Alaskan Malamute, but it's actually genetically very different. They originated in Greenland around 7500 BC and were bred to pull sleds in harsh Arctic conditions.

Their diet consisted of extremely high-fat foods, and they had to adapt to low-oxygen environments, which is a testament to their hardiness. A recent study found that their lineage is closely linked to their ancestors found on Zhokhov Island in Siberia 9,500 years ago.

These dogs were built for endurance, and their original purpose was to pull sleds in the Arctic. They're still used for this purpose today, and their strength and stamina make them well-suited for the job.

Here are some key facts about the Greenland Sled Dog:

The Shiba Inu is an ancient dog breed that predates modern dog breeds. They were first seen in dogū, small humanoid animal figurines made during Japan's Jōmon period between 14,000 and 300 BC.

The Shiba Inu has a rich history in Japan, where they were used for hunting. Their origins are a testament to the breed's adaptability and resilience.

The Shiba Inu's history dates back to prehistoric Japan, with evidence of their existence found in dogū figurines.

The Samoyed is an ancient dog breed that originated in Siberia around 1000 B.C. They were named after the nomadic Samoyede people living in the tundra of northern Russia and Siberia.

These dogs were bred for a variety of purposes, including herding, hunting, and sand sledding. They were specifically bred for herding and hunting deer and pulling sledges in harsh weather conditions.

The Samoyed's original purpose was working, which is reflected in their intelligence, loyalty, and playful nature. They are wonderful additions to any family due to their friendly and adaptable personalities.

Here are some key facts about the Samoyed breed:

The Pekingese is an ancient breed that originated in China around 200 BC. They were considered sacred animals and were once only allowed to be owned by members of the Chinese Imperial Palace.

These dogs were raised to be companions and were cherished pets of the Chinese imperial family for generations. They were so highly valued that they gained a worldwide reputation when the British arrived in China.

The Pekingese is often referred to as the "lion dog" due to their similarity in appearance to Chinese lions. They have a distinctive shaggy coat and a regal demeanor that commands respect.

Here's a brief timeline of the Pekingese breed:

The Shar Pei is an ancient breed with a rich history dating back to around 200 BC in China. They were originally used for hunting and guarding, but later became known for their fighting skills.

This breed was created to hunt wild boar, safeguard farmers' livestock from predators, and protect its master's home. They were designed to be independent dogs, capable of working alone and making their own decisions.

The Shar Pei's origins in China make them a unique and fascinating breed. They have a long history of being used for various tasks, from hunting to guarding.

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The Tibetan Terrier is a truly unique breed with a rich history. It originated in the "Lost Valley" region of Tibet, where it's been around for almost 2,000 years.

This ancient breed was highly valued by Tibetan monks and herdsmen, serving as both good luck charms and working companions. They were never sold or bred with other breeds as a result.

Contrary to its name, the Tibetan Terrier isn't actually a terrier but a versatile and ancient dog breed.

The Lhasa Apso is a small but mighty dog breed that's steeped in history. They were originally bred to guard Tibetan nobles.

These dogs were highly valued for their loyalty and protective instincts. They would often stand guard at the doors of monasteries and palaces, keeping a watchful eye out for potential threats.

Despite their small size, Lhasa Apsos are known for their bold and fearless nature. They're not afraid to stand up to larger dogs or even humans if they feel their family is being threatened.

The Lhasa Apso's long, flowing coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. This can be a bit of a challenge for some owners, but the end result is well worth the extra effort.

Here's a brief rundown of the Lhasa Apso's key characteristics: